Still no Read for Crusaders
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made three changes for the crunch Super Rugby play-off clash with the Bulls, but star no.8 Kieran Read is still unavailable through injury.
The Crusaders had been holding out hope the Read might recover in time for the match against the Bulls, but the All Blacks No.8 will be on the sidelines for another week.
However, there are two changes to the forwards with big loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett back in the ront row in a switch with Ben Franks, who reverts to the bench.
The other change is in the second row, where Sam Whitelock takes over from Tom Donnelly, who will also serve as a replacement.
Adam Whitelock moves back to the wing this week, vacating the outside centre position for Robbie Fruean. Sean Maitland will provide cover from the bench.
The winner from this game will progress to the semifinals, playing either the Chiefs or the Stormers depending on the result from the other qualifier match. But Blackadder said it is about more than that for Crusaders fans.
"This is obviously our most important match yet this season. But it's not just about the footy this weekend. This is about Crusaders fans getting another opportunity to come together and show that our spirit is still strong after all that has happened to us.
"We are so grateful to our supporters for helping us get as far as we have this season. Just by being at the stadium for the Bulls game, they will be helping us towards another win," Blackadder said.
"So please join the Crusaders at home this Saturday – it's going to be something special."
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Adam Whitelock, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Andy Ellis, 8 Richie McCaw (captain), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Luke Whitelock, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Taylor, 22 Sean Maitland.
Date: Saturday, July 21
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
TMO: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
